Children thrive when their own natural desire to learn and grow is activated. This is something that Silvia Alvarez, founder and executive director of Triumph Teen Life Center, believes in wholeheartedly and has spent years dedicating her life to.
Located in the heart of Mount Vernon, in Skagit Valley, Triumph Teen Life Center has been a sanctuary for area teens since opening its doors in 2022. By offering an after-school haven for kids to feel supported and heard, both personally and academically, the center has become a home away from home for many of its student participants.
“It’s important that our kiddos feel safe, first and foremost,” says Alvarez. “When kids feel safe, they are more willing to learn and explore new horizons.”
The safe environment that Triumph has created for its teens has opened the door for so much more than what a stereotypical after-school program might look like. A macro snapshot of the non-profit organization shows service pillars that include art, music, and dance, but a micro look into the layers of opportunities that are offered to each student is awe-inspiring. From community service and cultural dance lessons to studio-based music production and self-identity workshops, Triumph is holistic in its approach to serving. All activities are guided by trained instructors and academic tutors, local artists and musicians, and community volunteers. “We have been very intentional with how we want to serve our community,” says Alvarez. “Yes, our mission is to empower teens by providing them with the tools they need to succeed in both school and life, but it is also our goal to elevate and uplift our entire community.”
Triumph in the Community
Triumph Teen Life Center currently sees about 25 students each day, most of whom are of Latine and Mexican Indigenous descent. Since being founded, it has also been a lifeline to more than 150 families in the community.
Through initiatives like its monthly Pan con Café gatherings, enrolled Triumph families have free access to educational and community resource workshops that foster a sense of belonging and empowerment. Families also have complimentary access to a community-sponsored and culturally appropriate Food Pantry which is filled with traditional staples such as Maseca, rice, beans, and chili peppers.
The recent opening of the Triumph Resource Center, also in Mount Vernon, further solidifies the organization’s commitment to serving not just teens, but the broader community. The resource center offers a wide array of programs and support services tailored to diverse needs. All Triumph services are free of charge.
Triumph Into the Future
Looking ahead, Triumph is poised to expand its reach and impact even further. In collaboration with Alger Independent Studies, plans are underway to launch an accredited, independent school for high school students in 2024-2025, providing an alternative pathway to academic success by not only fulfilling State graduation requirements, but also tailoring courses to meet its students’ unique interests and experiences.
Additionally, in partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, Triumph successfully implemented its first-ever internship program in June 2024. The program, which received grant funding for 10 students, provided students ages 16–18 with the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experience and mentorship from local business owners and community leaders.
Triumph currently operates three days a week. The organization’s goal is to expand operations to five days a week next year, with a long-term goal of having multiple locations throughout the region.
“Every program, every initiative, comes from a place of compassion, understanding, and desire to help a community’s needs,” concludes Alvarez. “We love our community and believe that every small gesture matters and makes a difference in the world we create for our kiddos.” 2121 E. College Way, Ste. B, Mount Vernon, 360.755.3267, www.triumphtlc.org
